
South African Wine
Learn about South African wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.
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Tania et Vincent Careme Terre Brulee Chenin Blanc 2019Chenin Blanc from Swartland, South Africa
- WS
- WW
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Rupert & Rothschild Rouge Classique 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from South Africa
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Delaire Graff Botmaskop 2017Other Red Blends from Stellenbosch, South Africa
- D
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Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend 2018Other Red Blends from South Africa
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Graham Beck Brut RoseRosé Sparkling Wine from South Africa
- TA
- D
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Kanonkop Pinotage 2018Pinotage from Stellenbosch, South Africa
- RP
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Tokara Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2018Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
- RP
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Badenhorst Family Red Blend 2017Other Red Blends from South Africa
- TA
- RP
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Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc 2020Sauvignon Blanc from Robertson, South Africa
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Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2019Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
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Tokara Director's Reserve White 2016Bordeaux White Blends from Stellenbosch, South Africa
- TA
- RP
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Excelsior Syrah 2018Syrah/Shiraz from South Africa
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Braai Pinotage 2019Pinotage from South Africa
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Graham Beck Bliss Demi SecNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from South Africa
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Braai Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa
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Beyond Sauvignon Blanc 2019Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa
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Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2019Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa
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Indaba Chardonnay 2019Chardonnay from South Africa
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Ernie Els Big Easy Red Blend 2017Other Red Blends from South Africa
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Klein Constantia Estate Red Blend 2017Bordeaux Red Blends from South Africa
- JS
- TA
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Badenhorst Secateurs Red Blend 2018Rhone Red Blends from Swartland, South Africa
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Indaba Merlot 2019Merlot from South Africa
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Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2019Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Meerlust Rubicon 2016Bordeaux Red Blends from South Africa
- D
- WS
- RP
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Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2013Other Red Blends from South Africa
- WE
- RP